Herpesviruses placating the unwilling host: manipulation of the MHC class II antigen presentation pathway.

Abstract

Lifelong persistent infection by herpesviruses depends on the balance between host immune responses and viral immune evasion. CD4 T cells responding to antigens presented on major histocompatibility complex class II (MHC-II) molecules are known to play an important role in controlling herpesvirus infections. Here we review, with emphasis on human herpesvirus infections, the strategies evolved to evade CD4 T cell immunity. These viruses target multiple points on the MHC class II antigen presentation pathway. The mechanisms include: suppression of CIITA to inhibit the synthesis of MHC class II molecules, diversion or degradation of HLA-DR molecules during membrane transport, and direct targeting of the invariant chain chaperone of HLA-DR.

• Authors: Jianmin Zuo, Martin Rowe
• Journal: Viruses (Viruses) Vol. 4 Issue 8 Pg. 1335-53 (08 2012) ISSN: 1999-4915 [Electronic] Switzerland
• PMID: 23012630 (Publication Type: Journal Article, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't, Review)

Chemical References

• Histocompatibility Antigens Class II

Topics

• Animals
• Antigen Presentation
• Herpesviridae (genetics, immunology)
• Herpesviridae Infections (genetics, immunology, virology)
• Histocompatibility Antigens Class II (genetics, immunology)
• Humans
• Immune Evasion